Penrith, here’s where you’ll want to head for long lunches, decadent dinners and post-work drinks.
Sydney boasts no shortage of top-notch eateries, bars and restaurants. In fact, you can find one on every corner in the inner city. From the leafy streets of Paddington to the bustling laneways of Chippendale, a great dining experience is never far away. But, one husband and wife duo believe Sydneysiders shouldn’t forget about the lesser-known spots tucked away in Sydney’s outer suburbs.
The pair in question is Sophia and Aaron Bernecki, the team at the forefront of the culinary revolution that’s been slowly emerging in Sydney’s western suburbs. You might have heard of the duo from their first venue, Henri Marc which opened its doors in Penrith just over 6 years ago. This landmark cafe was a game-changer for the area, bringing together specialty coffee brews from Reuben Hills and refined all-day eats. Since launching, the venue has raised the bar for food and drink in Penrith by challenging what diners can expect from Sydney’s western suburbs. And now, the couple is back with a second space and a daring new concept.
Introducing Allan Grammar, the boutique wine bar and eatery tucked away in the heart of the Penrith. As born and bred Penrith locals, Sophia and Aaron launched Allan Grammar in December 2018 in the hopes of driving growth and expansion for the city’s dining scene. The space is very much a family passion project, designed and constructed by the couple’s father Mark over the past 2 years. The result? Expect polish wooden floors, lofty ceilings and plush booth-style seating made for leisurely long lunches and relaxed post-work drinks.
Inside this 60-seat wine bar, you’ll find a refined menu of snacks and share plates alongside a stellar 80 bottle wine list championing small producers curated by Bennelong’s Head Sommelier Seamus Brandt. Diners can sample their way through everything from Sydney rock oysters to plates of local curated meats to heartier dishes like gnocchi with veal glaze and salsa verde to Jack’s Creek sirloin steak with jus gras, leek and smoked macadamia. If you’re in the mood to let someone else decide, opt for their Feed Me set menu ($60 per person) to enjoy the best of the menu.
With a fit-out and offering reminiscent of an inner-city eatery, Allan Grammar might just be Penrith’s best-kept secret.
Allan Grammar
14-16 Woodriff Street, Penrith
Open Wed & Thu from 5 pm to 1 am, Fri & Sat from 12 pm to 1 am and Sun from 12 pm to 6 pm.